Latest News on 2021 Band Reboot

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Latest News on 2021 Band Reboot

November 3, 2021

We've moved to indoor performances until Summer 2022 and wanted you to know that all regular members, vocalists, and subs that rehearse and/or gig with us are all fully vaccinated, including boosters for everyone eligible to receive them. We're following all applicable state, local, and venue Covid-19 guidelines when we perform, including masking and/or Proof of Vaccination protocols.

May 17, 2021

We are extremely pleased to announce that given recent federal and state Covid-19 updates, there will be NO restrictions in place for ANY of our summer concerts in 2021 (Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire)! We continue to rehearse indoors weekly (with safety protocols in place until everyone in the band is 'fully vaccinated' in early June) and will have completed a remarkable TEN practice sessions by our first public gig on the Fourth of July. We'll be able to deliver to audiences familiar and new a very exciting summer of unrestricted outdoor performances featuring some of our favorite concert charts, plus some terrific newcomers to the book from great arrangers like Chris Walden, Callum Au, and more. And, to 'amplify' the celebration of getting back to making live big band music, we'll be debuting our bevy of brand new, state-of-the-art QSC speakers just purchased as an upgrade to our already very capable sound reinforcement system!"

March 12, 2021

A quick update that we hope finds you all well. The Compaq Big Band is making exciting progress toward getting back to sharing our unique brand of big band jazz and swing with audiences beginning in July 2021! We've all committed to getting the Covid-19 vaccine just as soon as our respective age/risk groups are eligible where we reside (MA and NH). Some members have already received their first dose, with more on the horizon in March and beyond. Our goal is for every member to be fully protected in time for an exciting slate of summer of outdoor performances.

Speaking of which, we are ACTIVELY booking additional Summer 2021 outdoor concert dates RIGHT NOW! We'll be returning to some of our most popular venues PLUS debuting at some exciting new-to-us locales. As details are confirmed, the performances will be added on this site. And, you'll always see them on Facebook beforehand at https://www.facebook.com/Compaq-Big-Band-205646778138.

We expect that the New England states' stage performer distancing restrictions will be relaxed by the date of our first summer concert in July. However, if there are still guidelines in place, we have the experience, sound gear, and production expertise to put our 'same old great' quality on display.

If you know of a concert series you think we should contact, please let us know. Although many are understandably rebooking 2020 acts that were canceled due to Covid-19, there may be bands that have gone out of business or cannot make a solid commitment for 2021, or perhaps the organizer is simply looking for 'a new face' - please let them know we're available! They can always reach out to alsaloky@aol.com.

We're treating 2021 as a 'reboot' year for live big band shows. Although our already-low traditional performance fee is affordable to many, we'll work extra hard in 2021 to compete with any legitimate regional big band quote to showcase the Compaq Big Band difference to new audiences.

In the meantime, we're planning on being back to work this April or May, sheddin' charts indoors (outdoors if needed), so that we'll be sharp for Summer 2021.

It'll be really, REALLY good to make music for all of you again. Please stay safe!

January 2021

We want to let all our valued fans and clients - current and future - know that the entire Compaq Big Band is thinking about you and your families during the chaos that is the Covid-19 pandemic. Especially for our clients, we are also thinking of the people that are the fabric of the wonderful organizations you represent, and the incredibly difficult business challenge this pandemic represents for for-profits and non-profits alike.

We're watching all the daily developments that will hopefully lead to better times ahead, not the least of which is the opportunity to make great big band music together for New England's best swing dancers and avid jazz listening audiences. As restrictions continue and we are notified of official gig cancellations, where possible we will work diligently with clients to re-book a future date as soon as appropriate. We'll return to the stage just as quickly as all applicable federal, state, and local restrictions are modified/lifted, our clients feel safe in restarting operations, and the band members are confident we are not risking our and our family's health by gathering to rehearse and perform.

When we are able to all enjoy live big band events again, the Compaq Big Band remains more dedicated than ever to providing a superior musical experience to clients, and to remain flexible on compensation. We understand that it may take some time to eventually get back to packed houses, and our emphasis will remain on partnering with clients to get dancers and listeners back into the venues for the long haul.

In the meantime, please stay healthy, and please visit the Compaq Big Band on Facebook to scroll through our posts over the last year plus – some great times, great tunes, and great audiences. A 'Like' would be very cool, too ;) We'll continue to update www.compaqbigband.com with the latest gig schedule information.